Clothing Article With Integrated Electronics Holder

ABSTRACT

A hat that is operable to receive and retain a personal electronic device and facilitate the use thereof subsequent the hat being surroundably mounted a user&#39;s head. The hat includes at least one pocket wherein the pocket is operable to be secured either internally or externally. The pocket includes an interior volume of suitable size to receive a personal electronic. The pocket includes a first opening and a second opening that enable a user to access the interior volume when the hat is being worn by a user or not being worn by a user. The hat is provided in alternative embodiments that are formed with an article of clothing or provided separately. The pocket further includes a radiation-blocking layer that is operable to inhibit the transmission of radiation in the direction of the user&#39;s head.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to clothing articles, more specifically but not by way of limitation headwear that is either integrated into a jacket or an independent embodiment that is configured to retain a personal electronic device proximate to a user's ear.

BACKGROUND

Personal electronic devices have proliferated our society in the last decade. These devices range from media players to cellular phone, specifically smartphones. These devices are utilized by millions of individuals everyday to gather information, communicate and listen to music. While utilizing these devices individual often use their hand to maintain the devices proximity to their ear either during a phone call or listening to music.

Individuals that utilize the aforementioned personal devices will use them in various types of environmental climates. One exemplary climate is a typical northern climate wherein the average temperature facilitates the wearing of items such as but not limited to hats and hoodie style sweatshirts. Additionally, while some climates experience weather year round requiring the aforementioned articles of clothing, most geographies experience some level of winter and as such those residing in the area will wear hats and hoodie style articles of clothing.

One issue with existing hats and hoodie style sweatshirts is their obstruction of use of personal electronic devices. Conventional hats and hoodie style sweatshirts typically cover the ear and will reduce the sound quality from the media device. This can obstruct a phone call or the playback of music. As such, users will typically remove the headwear while making a phone call creating the undesirable scenario of exposing their head to an unfavorable climate.

Another issue with conventional hats and hoodie style sweatshirts is their inability to receive and retain personal electronic devices and provide easy access thereto. While there are hoodie style sweatshirts with an internal pocket, the pockets cannot be easily accessed and they are not constructed to facilitate improved use of a personal electronic device. Additionally, it is known within the art that all personal electronic devices emit at least some level of radiation. While the health consequences of this radiation are still largely unknown, it is desirable for a user to substantially inhibit the transmission of radiation towards the head of the user.

Accordingly, there is a need for headwear that provides storage and use of a personal electronic device wherein the headwear further inhibits that transmission of radiation in the direction of a user's head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide at least two embodiments of headwear wherein the headwear is configured to receive and retain a personal electronic and maintain the personal electronic device in a location that facilitates the user thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide at least two embodiments of headwear wherein the headwear embodiments include a standalone knit cap and an integrated hoodie style sweatshirt.

A further object of the present invention is to provide headwear that is operable to receive and retain a personal electronic device wherein the headwear includes at least one integrated pocket.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide headwear that is operable to receive and retain a personal electronic device having a pocket wherein the pocket includes a first opening and a second opening.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide headwear having an integrated pocket configured to receive a personal electronic device wherein the integrated pocket includes a retaining strap.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide headwear that includes at least one integrated pocket operable to receive and retain a personal electronic device so as to facilitate the use thereof wherein the pocket further includes a radiation-blocking layer.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 1A is detailed view of the pocket of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated headwear with integrated electronics retention 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1 herein, the headwear with integrated electronics retention 100 includes a body 10 that includes a lower portion 15 and an upper portion 20 integrally formed. The lower portion 15 is a conventional jacket constructed utilizing suitable techniques and materials as is known in the art. Upper portion 20 is integrally formed with the lower portion 15 wherein the illustrated embodiment of the headwear with integrated electronics retention 100 is similar to a jacket style that is known in the art as a hoodie. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the upper portion 20 could be releasably secured to the lower portion 15 utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to zippers or snaps.

The upper portion 20 includes a first pocket 30 and a second pocket 40. The first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 are secured to opposing sides of the upper portion 20 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 are identically constructed and a detailed view thereof is illustrated in particular in FIG. 1A herein. The first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 include a plurality of walls 50 and a bottom 60 integrally formed so as to create an interior volume 65. The first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 are configured to have a first opening 70 proximate upper edge 68 and a second opening 80 extending vertically along side 78. First opening 70 is accessible via the interior of the upper portion 15. A user can access the interior volume 65 and place an object therein such as but not limited to a cellular phone via first opening 70 prior to placing the upper portion 20 around their head. If the upper portion 20 has been placed around a user's head, the second opening 80 provides access to the interior volume 65 from the exterior of the upper portion 20 as the second opening 80 is constructed in the upper portion 20 so as to be located on the exterior surface 22 of the upper portion 20. This provides an option for a user of the headwear with integrated electronics retention 100 to access the interior volume 65 of either the first pocket 30 or second pocket 40 from either the interior of the upper portion 20 prior to placing around their head or through the exterior surface 22 ensuing the upper portion 20 being surroundably secured to a user's head. While a first opening 70 and a second opening 80 have been disclosed in the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 could be configured to only have one opening to access the interior volume 65 thereof.

The first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 include an integral radiation-blocking layer 90. As is known in the art, electronic devices such as but not limited to cellular phones emit radiation when in use. While the health effects of this radiation are still unknown, it is desirable for a user to inhibit the transmission of this radiation into their bodies if feasible. The radiation-blocking layer 90 is manufactured from a material such as but not limited to metal and is operable to reduce the transmission of radiation therepast. The radiation-blocking layer 90 is manufactured in a thin flexible layer so as not to intrude on the design or functionality of the upper portion 20. The radiation-blocking layer 90 is integrally formed into wall 59 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The radiation-blocking layer 90 includes an upper end 91 and a lower end 92. While the lower end 92 extends such that it is proximate bottom 60, the upper end 91 does not extend completely to be proximate first opening 70. The aforementioned construction of the radiation-blocking layer 90 is designed so as to reduce interference with an audio speaker of a device that has been disposed within the interior volume 65 of either the first pocket 30 or second pocket 40. This design facilitates the substantial blocking of radiation emitted by an electronic device but allows the sound emitted therefrom to be transmitted without interference. It is desired within the scope of the present invention that the upper end 91 is approximately one inch below first opening 70

Disposed within the interior volume 65 of the first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 is a strap 110. Strap 110 is manufactured from an elastic material and extends longitudinally with first end 110 being proximate opening 70 and second end 111 be secured proximate bottom 60. Strap 110 is operable to releasably secure an object disposed within the interior volume 65 of either the first pocket 30 or second pocket 40.

Secured intermediate the first pocket 30 and second pocket 40 is channel 120. Channel 120 is a hollow passage constructed utilizing suitable techniques that functions to operably couple the first pocket 30 and second pocket 40. The channel 120 functions to allow a user to place therein a headphone cord or similar article so as to operably couple a device disposed within the first pocket 30 to an article disposed within the second pocket 40. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the channel 120 could be constructed utilizing numerous techniques so as to facilitate the intended functionality as described herein.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 2 and 3 herein, an alternative embodiment of headwear with integrated electronics retention 100 are illustrated therein. Embodiments 200, 300 are constructed in a beanie-style or knit cap style having a body 210, 310 that is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to cotton. The body 210, 310 is formed in a dome shape having a cavity 215, 315 operable to receive at least a portion of a human head therein. The embodiments 200,300 include pocket 240. Pockets 240 are manufactured having a plurality of walls 241 and bottom 242 forming an opening 243 configured to provide access to the interior volume 244. The pocket 240 is secured to the embodiments 200,300 in either a first position or a second position. In a first position, as is illustrated in particular in FIG. 2 herein, the pocket 240 is secured to the exterior of the body 210. In a second position, illustrated herein in particular in FIG. 3 herein, the pocket 240 is secured to the interior of embodiment 300. While not particularly illustrated herein it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the pocket 240 could further include the radiation-blocking layer described herein. The embodiments 200, 300 are included herein so as to illustrate and describe alternative designs of headwear with integrated electronics retention 100 that are not integrally secured to a jacket. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous alternative styles of headwear could be constructed to create an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hat that is configured to retain a personal electronic device proximate the head of a user comprising: a body, said body having a wall forming an interior volume and an opening operable to receive a human head therein, said body being manufactured from a suitable cloth material; a pocket, said pocket being secured to said body, said pocket having a wall, and a bottom configured to define an interior volume, said pocket having an opening opposite said bottom, said pocket further including a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side, said pocket configure to be secured in a first position or a second position in relation to said body; and a radiation-blocking layer, said radiation-blocking layer being secured within said wall of said pocket, said radiation-blocking layer being adjacent to a user's head disposed within the interior volume of said body.
 2. The hat as recited in claim 1, wherein in said first position said pocket is secured to the exterior of the hat.
 3. The hat as recited in claim 1, wherein in said second position said pocket is secured to the interior of the hat.
 4. The hat as recited in claim 1, wherein said pocket further includes a strap, said strap secured intermediate said opening and said bottom, said strap operable to retain a personal electronic device.
 5. The hat as recited in claim 4, wherein the hat is independent of any additional clothing article.
 6. The hat as recited in claim 3, wherein said pocket further includes a second opening, said second opening operable to provide access to the interior volume thereof through the wall of said body.
 7. The hat as recited in claim 6, wherein said radiation-blocking layer includes an upper end and a lower end, said lower end being adjacent said bottom, said upper end being approximately one inch from said opening of said pocket.
 8. A hat that is configured to receive and retain a personal electronic device in a position that facilitates the use thereof comprising: a body, said body having a wall forming an interior volume and an opening, said body configured to receive a human head therein, said body being manufactured from a suitable cloth material, said wall of said body being secured to a torso clothing article; at least one pocket, said at least one pocket being secured within the interior volume of said body, said at least one pocket having a wall and a bottom operable to define an interior volume having an opening, said at least one pocket having an upper end and a lower end, said opening proximate said upper end, said at least one pocket including a left side and a right side; and a radiation-blocking layer, said radiation blocking layer secured within said wall of said pocket, said radiation-blocking layer being adjacent a head of a user disposed within the interior volume of said body, said radiation-blocking layer having a lower end and an upper end.
 9. The hat as recited in claim 8, and further including a second opening, said second opening being formed in the right side of said at least one pocket, said second opening further configured to penetrate through the wall of said body of the hat, said second opening operable to provide access to the interior volume of said at least one pocket subsequent the hat being surroundably mounted to a head of a user.
 10. The hat as recited in claim 9, wherein said upper end of said radiation-blocking layer is approximately an inch below said opening of said at least one pocket.
 11. The hat as recited in claim 10, and further including a strap, said strap being centrally located in said at least one pocket, said strap extending intermediate said bottom and said opening, said strap being manufactured from an elastic material, said strap operable to secure a personal electronic device within said at least one pocket.
 12. The hat as recited in claim 11, and further including a channel, said channel being formed within the wall of said body, said channel being operably coupled to said at least one pocket, said channel configured to receive a headphone cord or similar device therethrough.
 13. The hat as recited in claim 12, wherein said at least one pocket is adjacent to an ear of the human head disposed within the interior volume of the hat.
 14. The hat as recited in claim 13, wherein the hat is integrally formed with a jacket.
 15. A hat integrally formed with a jacket to form a hoodie-style article of clothing wherein the hat is operable to receive and retain a personal electronic device and facilitate the ability to use while disposed within the hat comprising: a body, said body having a wall forming an interior volume and an opening, said body configured to receive a human head therein, said body being manufactured from a suitable cloth material, said wall of said body being secured to a torso clothing article; a first pocket, said first pocket being secured within the interior volume of said body, said first pocket having a wall and a bottom operable to define an interior volume having an opening, said first pocket having an upper end and a lower end, said opening proximate said upper end, said first pocket including a left side and a right side; a second pocket, said second pocket being secured within the interior volume of said body, said second pocket having a wall and a bottom operable to define an interior volume having an opening, said second pocket having an upper end and a lower end, said opening proximate said upper end, said second pocket including a left side and a right side; and a radiation-blocking layer, said radiation blocking layer secured within said wall of said first pocket and said second pocket, said radiation-blocking layer being adjacent a head of a user disposed within the interior volume of said body, said radiation-blocking layer having a lower end and an upper end, said radiation-blocking layer operable to substantially inhibit transmission of radiation in the direction of a user's head.
 16. The hat as recited in claim 15, and further including a channel, said channel being formed within the wall of said body, said channel being operably coupled to said first pocket and said second pocket, said channel configured to receive a headphone cord or similar device therethrough and extend intermediate said first pocket and said second pocket.
 17. The hat as recited in claim 16, wherein said upper end of said radiation-blocking layer is approximately an inch below said opening of said at least one pocket.
 18. The hat as recited in claim 17, and further including a strap, said strap being centrally located in said first pocket and said second pocket, said strap extending intermediate said bottom and said opening, said strap being manufactured from an elastic material, said strap operable to secure a personal electronic device within said first pocket and said second pocket.
 19. The hat as recited in claim 18, and further including a second opening, said second opening being formed in the right side of said first pocket and said second pocket, said second opening further configured to penetrate through the wall of said body of the hat, said second opening operable to provide access to the interior volume of said first pocket and said second pocket subsequent the hat being surroundably mounted to a head of a user.
 20. The hat as recited in claim 19, wherein the radiation-blocking layer is manufactured from a metal. 